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- What Is Blepharoplasty?
- Benefits Of Choosing An Eye Surgeon To Perform Eyelid Surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Real Patients. Real Reviews.
- Who Is A Good Candidate For Blepharoplasty?
- How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
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- Recovery After Blepharoplasty
- Is Blepharoplasty Covered By Insurance?
- Request A Blepharoplasty Consultation
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As we age, the eyelids can begin to droop, which not only makes us appear older and tired but can also lead to loss of peripheral vision. The procedure known as blepharoplasty is the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle that has weakened the eyelid over time.
As people age, the muscles and skin around their eyes can begin to weaken and stretch out, resulting in droopiness and a tired appearance. Fatty tissue that surrounds and supports the eye can also bulge over time, causing excess puffiness. Not only does this impact appearance and make you look older, but drooping eyelids can also restrict your field of vision.
Are you seeking a solution for drooping eyelids, obstructed vision, or a tired appearance? Our team at the Nielsen Eye Center includes skilled eye surgeons who can help you achieve better vision and a more youthful appearance with blepharoplasty!
What is Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty, also commonly called an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, is one of the most common medical and cosmetic surgeries performed on the face. It is effective at giving a more youthful appearance without the downtime of a major facelift. Blepharoplasty can help patients look and feel better and can improve peripheral vision in those whose eyelids may block or impact their line of sight.
The blepharoplasty procedure often involves the surgical removal of excess muscle tissues, skin, or fatty tissue from around the eye, and is used to reinforce muscle tissues to strengthen and tighten them. The final result is a more youthful, awake appearance and an enhanced range of vision.
Benefits of Choosing an Eye Surgeon to Perform Eyelid Surgery
The field of oculoplastic surgery is a branch of ophthalmology dedicated to plastic and reconstructive surgery surrounding the eye. Oculoplastic services include a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive techniques designed to treat eyelids, tear ducts, and eye sockets. Although blepharoplasty can be performed by plastic surgeons, there are many benefits to choosing a qualified, experienced eye surgeon to perform the procedure. By combining advanced ophthalmic knowledge with cosmetic principles, patients receive the best possible care for their eyes from a surgeon dedicated to treating visual systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I feel after surgery?
Will I have unsightly scars?
How long is the recovery period?
Can I fly after surgery?
Does eyelid surgery require anesthesia?
When can I wear contacts?
When can I wear makeup?
Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Patients often choose blepharoplasty to improve vision and appear younger and more alert. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, blepharoplasty may be a good option for you:
- Baggy, droopy eyelids
- Decreased field of vision caused by excess skin
- Puffiness and heaviness of the upper eyelids
- Skin that touches or hangs over eyelashes
The blepharoplasty procedure can restore your appearance, creating a more youthful and lively look. For patients who find their peripheral or central vision is obstructed by droopy eyelids, the procedure can also restore a full range of vision, making activities like driving safer. Blepharoplasty may not be right for everyone – a full consultation is needed to determine the best fit for each individual.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning it does not require an overnight stay in a hospital when performed. The procedure itself can take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Prior to beginning the procedure, your surgeon injects a local anesthetic into the eyelid, numbing the area and ensuring the procedure will be painless. In addition, oral sedatives can be used to help patients relax during the procedure. Your surgeon will initially create an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, helping to conceal and minimize visual scarring after the incision heals. Your surgeon will then remove any excess skin, muscle, and fat that may contribute to eyelid droopiness. Once completed, your surgeon will close the incision by utilizing dissolvable sutures.
Every case of blepharoplasty is different, which is why it is so important to carefully select an experienced surgeon who will properly assess the eyelid and the modifications needed to achieve the best results. When the blepharoplasty procedure has been completed, patients are encouraged to rest at the medical center and allow the anesthesia to wear off slightly. Your surgeon then performs a post-operative examination and reviews appropriate aftercare with each patient before they return home.
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Video libraryRecovery After Blepharoplasty
Each patient will have a series of aftercare instructions to adhere to in the weeks following the blepharoplasty procedure. Patients are encouraged to rest and take all medications as directed by our team. The medications assist you in healing and help prevent infections. The sutures will be dissolved within 2-3 weeks.
Patients often experience minimal to moderate bruising and swelling following the procedure, which generally subsides within two weeks. Surgical scarring can take several months to fade. Patients are also encouraged to protect their eyelids from sun exposure by wearing hats and sunglasses to protect the area. The healing process is gradual. In many cases, it takes a few months to see the full results of blepharoplasty. However, this procedure can produce long-lasting results.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Cosmetic surgeries, or surgeries that are undertaken to improve appearance alone, are not covered by insurance and Medicare. However, insurance will often cover what is considered “functional” eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty.
An eyelid procedure is considered functional when it is performed to improve vision function. If your eyelids are interfering with everyday activities and causing difficulty seeing, the procedure may be covered by insurance. To determine the degree of vision loss caused by drooping eyelids, our team may perform a visual field test.
Request a Blepharoplasty Consultation
Curious if blepharoplasty could be right for you? For eyelid surgery in the greater Boston area, contact the Nielsen Eye Center to schedule a private, no-obligation consultation with one of the Nielsen Eye Center’s skilled eye surgeons.
The Nielsen Eye Center has four convenient locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwood, and Norwell Massachusetts. With a full range of vision care services to improve your eye health and appearance, our practice is dedicated to providing excellent vision care in the greater Boston region.
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Our team of eye doctors includes some of the foremost experts in laser vision correction and eye surgery in the greater Boston area. We look forward to helping you maintain healthy and clear vision for years to come. Learn more about our leading providers and the high level of service you can expect at the Nielsen Eye Center.
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Schedule your appointment today at one of our four convenient offices situated on the South Shore. Serving the greater Boston area, our locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwell, and Norwood are here to provide exceptional eye care tailored to your needs.